How to Print 5.5 X 4.25 Bifold Cards

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Bifold cards are popular for invitations or "Thank You" notes.

Professional-looking personal notes and announcements can be produced from a desktop or laptop computer. Pre-scored bifold cards (also called "foldover" cards) are a way to add a personal touch to correspondence. Printing them is simple using any word processor and printer. The cards are available in a variety of sizes, colors and paper stocks. The type in this example fit a standard A2 envelope and have a flat size of 8.5 inches by 5.5 inches.

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Step 1

Format the page on the word processing software based on the card's flat size. Set page size to 8.5 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide. Set margins to 0.5 inches left, right, top and bottom. Set orientation to portrait.

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Step 2

Create copy for the inside of the card. Type the message, keeping in mind that text on the page above 4.25 inches will print above the fold and text lower than 4.25 inches will print below the fold. Leaving 0.5 inches of clear space above and below the score will maintain a 0.5 inch margin on the panels.

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Step 3

Print a test page of the text, using standard 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper. Check alignment by matching the corner of the flat, pre-scored card with the upper left corner of the test sheet. Hold the paper and card up to a light source and ensure that the text does not print on top of the score. Adjust text as needed.

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Step 4

Load pre-scored cards in the manual feed of the printer. A score is designed to open like a hinge. The side of the card that protrudes up from the surface of the sheet is meant to be on the inside of the card.

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Step 5

Print cards. The number of cards that can be stacked in the printer depends on the capabilities of the printer; consult the owner's manual for manufacturer's guidelines.

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Step 6

Create copy for the cover of the card. Printing typically appears only on the cover of the outside; the back usually is left blank. Hence, center all text on the lower half of the page; again, be mindful of the position of the score.

Step 7

Repeat Steps 3 through 5 to complete the project.

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